Claire Dwyer has served Brilla for four years, first as a Seton Teaching Fellow, then as a third grade teacher, and now as an Instructional Coach for the Seton Teaching Fellows. With a background in education, Claire is an incredible asset to our community! Read on to learn more about her background and why she loves Brilla and the community we serve so much.
Tell me a little bit about your background. What brought you to Brilla?
I found out about the Seton Teaching Fellows during my junior year of college and then served as a Seton Teaching Fellow during the 2019-2020 school year. I thought it was amazing that there was a school where I could do a year of service – working in the school during the day and teaching the Catholic faith in a voluntary after-school program!
I always knew I wanted to go into education. My dad was a principal and my mom was an instructional coach. I received my Bachelor’s degree and certification in elementary education from Illinois State University.
As a Seton Teaching Fellow, I was placed at Brilla Veritas and taught first grade during the day and second grade after school at El Camino. The following two years I taught third grade. By the time I became an instructional coach, I knew and had worked with many of the students at Brilla Veritas.
Can you tell me more about the Seton Teaching Fellows?
The mission statement sums it up really well. Essentially, it is a group of Catholic missionaries whose main goal is to love others. Loving students starts with giving them a great education.
During the school day, the Fellows provide differentiated and small-group instruction. They support their grade team, and are flexible to the needs of the school. They are given co-teaching opportunities and take the role of lead teaching subjects that they are confident in. After school, they run the El Camino Program. The Fellows also live in community with each other so after school they have bible studies, community formation, and shared dinners. It’s a really special year.
What has kept you here at Brilla over the years?
I fell in love with the mission. It is so special and unique; not replicated anywhere.
The community of Mott Haven in general has kept me here. It is filled with so many incredible people. The families in this community are unlike any other people I have encountered before. The love and sacrifices that parents make for their children to ensure they are loved and valued by their schools is incredible.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Brilla?
We had this one little boy who came to Brilla in third grade and he couldn’t read yet. We worked with him every single day and he made so much progress and was so proud of himself. It was so special to be able to have that relationship with him, to help him learn to read and know what he is capable of. Beyond that, the community at Brilla helped him know that he is valued and loved by the people at the school just for who he is.
What is the most joyful thing about your job?
The most joyful part of my job is working with the fellows. They are so inspiring. Each one of them has a heart for service! It is incredible to be able to work with them and see their growth as educators.
What sets Brilla apart from other schools?
What sets us apart is the partnership with El Camino and Seton Teaching Fellows and the mission of Brilla. Joy and freedom is a big part of the curriculum, especially the way we teach using love and logic. We want children to do something because it is the right thing to do. We believe it is important to respect their dignity and teach with virtues.
Brilla Public Charter Schools 